My excitement about our season was tempered somewhat by the trio of offensive injuries (Gaither, Mathews, Brown). There's no denying that our offense will miss those guys and Rivers will have to shoulder a big load like he did in 2010.

But what gets me excited about this upcoming season is our revamped front 7. Getting pressure has been our defense's Achilles heel for a few seasons running. Partly because of bad defensive coordinators, but mostly because the personnel just wasn't there. I think AJ finally addressed that during the offseason. He drafted two highly athletic pass rushers and added a veteran run stopper. I think we've had talent at linebacker before, but never has our defensive line been as deep as it is now. Corey Liuget, Kendell Reyes, Cam Thomas, Antonio Garay, Aubrayo Franklin, Vaughn Martin. That is a young, athletic line that will be fresh and able to free up our outside rushers.

I'm looking specifically at English and Ingram. We know what Phillips and Barnes can do, but will our first round pick linebackers live up to their selection? (English has some work to do on that front) I think so, especially with that defensive line in front of them.

Our inside linebackers are class as well. Takeo still has something in the tank and I think Donald Butler will take a David Harris-like jump this season. Mouton is a bit of an unknown (haven't heard much about him during TC), but will serve as depth along with Demorrio Williams.

So tell me, am I just grasping at straws in order to get pumped for the season, or is there something here?

Do me a favou and continue focusing on that front 7, because the rest of the D is a big question.

It just depends on Quentin Jammer, to be honest. If he's washed up it's going to be a long year. At least we have the best FS in the league.

I think Jammer will get help from the big guys actually getting pressure this year. He's definitely not fast enough to run with the top WR's anymore, but he still has the skills to be good. Cason scares me every time the ball goes in his direction.

There's a lot of hope for a pass rush this year. There's enough depth that Phillips can stay fresh. We know Barnes can bring it, and by the look of it, so can Ingram. I'm sure we'll see all 3 of those guys on passing downs.
All of the DE's can penetrate this time around, which should give the OLB's even more of an opportunity. The front 7 may be the DB's savior this year._________________